How to Politely Decline an Invitation in Brazilian Portuguese
Use a clear no, a brief reason if you want, and a warm alternative without promising a plan you do not mean.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
A friendly refusal can begin with Obrigado/Obrigada pelo convite (Thanks for the invitation). Then say whether you can go: Hoje não vou conseguir (I won't be able to today) or Não posso desta vez (I can't this time). A clear answer helps the other person plan.
Thank the person and answer clearly
You do not need to give a detailed explanation. Add a short reason only if you want to share it. Tone and relationship matter, so choose wording that feels comfortable rather than memorizing one script for every situation.
Obrigado pelo convite, mas hoje não vou conseguir.
Thanks for the invitation, but I won't be able to today.
Adoraria, mas já tenho outro compromisso.
I'd love to, but I already have another commitment.
Não posso desta vez, mas agradeço por lembrar de mim.
I can't this time, but I appreciate you thinking of me.
Offer another time only when you mean it
If you do want to meet, suggest an alternative: Podemos tomar um café na sexta? (Could we get coffee on Friday?). If you are not sure yet, say Vou olhar minha agenda e te aviso (I'll check my schedule and let you know) rather than agreeing automatically.
A warm alternative turns a refusal into a possible next step. It is also fine to decline without rescheduling when you do not want to make another plan.
Hoje não dá, mas você pode na semana que vem?
Today won't work, but are you free next week?
Não vou conseguir ir. Podemos combinar outro dia?
I won't be able to go. Could we arrange another day?
Vou confirmar minha agenda e te aviso amanhã.
I'll check my schedule and let you know tomorrow.
Choose a simple message for text or speech
A short message is often enough: thank the person, answer, and add an alternative if appropriate. In a close friendship, a casual phrasing can work; with someone you do not know well, a complete sentence and obrigado/obrigada can help keep the tone courteous.
Our guide to turning vamos marcar into a concrete plan helps when you are ready to accept or suggest a date. Here, the goal is a clear and considerate no.
Valeu pelo convite! Hoje não consigo.
Thanks for the invite! I can't today. (casual)
Agradeço o convite, mas não poderei comparecer.
I appreciate the invitation, but I will not be able to attend. (more formal)
Dessa vez não vai dar. Obrigada por chamar!
It won't work this time. Thanks for inviting me!
Put it into practice
Practice one clear refusal and one alternative invitation. Keep the alternative only if you genuinely want to make another plan.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I can't this time, but I appreciate you thinking of me”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.